Following another sweep of a North American Hockey League South Division foe over the weekend on George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum, the Shreveport Mudbugs will enjoy a break of nearly two weeks.

The lengthy respite before the stretch run of the final 20 regular-season games offers the Mudbugs an opportunity to take in the Super Bowl, and the first major Mardi Gras parade in Shreveport.

So, will Karlis Zirnis let the boys loose to have a little fun?

“We’re having fun working hard; coming to the rink and working hard every day,” Zirnis said after his team corralled a 3-1 victory against Amarillo on Saturday. “Some guys are going on (college) visits next week. That’s part of this process too, guys going to the schools and seeing what they like about the campus and hockey program. Some will stay in town and keep practicing.”

The Mudbugs 29-6-5 (63 points) scored their 10th straight win at The George and opened a 12-point lead in the South over Odessa. They are just two points behind Fairbanks – 21 wins and no regulation losses the past 23 games -- in the race for the best record in the league.

The Mudbugs return to action Feb. 9-10 at Amarillo.

Saturday offered Mudbugs fans a first look at goaltender Jaxon Castor, who was signed out of the United States Hockey League after James Durham, then the leading goalie in the North American Hockey League, opted for the USHL two weeks ago.

“He was great,” Zirnis said. “He made some timely saves when he needed them. We left him out to dry on their goal. We know we have to be better than that; especially at the end of the period.”

Castor made 13 saves. His only blemish came when Jared Domin somehow found his way behind the Mudbugs’ defense with 13.7 seconds remaining in the second period.

“It was a party,” Castor said of his home debut. “It exceeded all expectations for me. I haven’t had that much fun playing hockey in a long time.”

Castor has allowed two goals on 36 shots in two appearances for Shreveport (lost 1-0 at Corpus Christi in his first start).

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Mudbugs goaltender Jaxon Castor won his first home start Saturday vs. Amarillo.(Photo: Mike Greer/ The Times)

“I’m normally not nervous starting at home, but tonight I had some nerves,” Castor said, “but you have to embrace them and get out there and play.''

Castor, a Phoenix native, will “keep it in the NFC” for his Cardinals and root for the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s Super Bowl against New England.

Perhaps the extended break will allow Castor, who’s never been to the South, an opportunity to get acquainted with his new home.

“Everyone in that locker room has made it super easy on me to feel comfortable,” he said. “I don’t know (what I’ll do during the break). I’ll probably get settled in here.”

Mardi Gras is one heck of a way to get your feet wet.

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Jaxon Castor fits right in with the Shreveport Mudbugs. Saturday, the Phoenix, Arizona, native stopped all but one shot as the Mudbugs won their 10th straight game on George's Pond at Hirsch Coliseum.
Roy Lang III